Can You Say Stinker?

Nicholas was helping me clean by picking up all the magnet letters.  Abby thought she'd help out...

Friday Playdate

Nick starts Kindergarten this fall. **sniff**   So I placed Abby in a MDO program once a week on Fridays so that Nick and I could spend some one on one time together. He calls it his special Friday. We usually go bowling, play miniature golf, etc...  We just hang out. He loves it and I love it. Abby kinda loves it, but that's another post.

If you've been around Nicholas for any amount of time, you know that Ava J. is his girlfriend. Of course, he calls all his little girl friends that. And he says he's got lots of girlfriends, but Ava's his best girlfriend. Well, we decided to invite Ava to bowl with us last Friday. Both kids had a good time, mostly. Nicholas got a bit sulky when Ava was leading during the second game. He had won the first one. It was funny, his shoulders were all hunched and he alternated between tearfulness and surliness.  So much for chivalry!  Ava could not have cared less, she was busy rolling around on the floor w/ the bowling ball and dancing. He ended up winning that game by 3 points, and you should have seen the sheepish look on his face.

All in all, a successful "date", though I'm not sure they'll allow us back. There were more than a few ball-over-the-head throws.  ~CRINGE~  I tried to explained that divots are for golf, not bowling.

Christmas Tree

Nicholas has his own tree that we put in his room.  This is the first year he has really taken an interest in decorating it.  We had to adjust his tree a couple of times to keep it from falling over.  In case you didn't notice, he favored one side of the tree more than the other.  Still a good looking tree and uniquely Nicholas for sure.  Can't wait to get Abby one next year!

Fayetteville Square

Lights of the Ozark.  Nicholas loved looking at the lights.  It's such a nice little tradition to have every year.


Not sure what to think about the reindeer.



Pictures with Santa!

We were on top of it this year. We got the kids' picture w/ Santa early so that we could use them as our Christmas card. We've cut it very close on our visits previous years, waiting until a few days before Christmas.  Abby wasn't too thrilled about the whole situation. If you look closely you can see the tears welling up in her eyes.

My "Surprise" Party

Nicholas threw me a "surprise" birthday party w/ the help of his Magi.  And it was still a good surprise despite the fact he talked to me about it nonstop.  She took him to Walmart and the Dollar Store where he picked out my cake, decorations and presents.  One of those insightful gifts was a huge bottle of bleach.  He told the cashier that his mom liked to clean.  Not sure where he got that one.  He actually did a really fantastic job.  I loved everything, including my bottle of bleach.  Much thanks to his Magi for indulging him.  You could tell he had a good time planning my party.

Helping clean up before the party

This had nothing to do w/ the party, but it was just too pitiful to leave out.

Magi making it all better.

He insisted that we all wear party hats.

Thanksgiving '10

Once again, we set forth on our annual trek to TX for Thanksgiving.  Scott and I were dreading the drive.  Abby really isn't the best traveler.  She goes on sleep and hunger strikes when she's away from home.  So we crossed our fingers, and the kiddos actually pulled through for us.  At one point, both kids were asleep in the car!  Bliss. 

As always, I missed my family and wished there was a way I could see them as well.  But it was a fantastic Thanksgiving, with lots of food, fun, laughter, and ...pictures.

Thanks for the head piece Aunt Jill

Not really sure what he's doing, but it made me laugh.

I think this says it all...



Emma was really good w/ Abby.  It was nice have a little babysitter for the day!



YaYa, Aunt Jill's parrot.  Nicholas was quite fascinated w/ him.

YaYa showing off some of his skills.  Nicholas really love playing w/ him.

I think this picture says it all as well!

Bird whisperer

Tea Time With The Von Robinsons

It's a known fact that Nicholas loves to sing and dance. Looks like Abby's taking after her big brother, at least in the dancing department. The Von Trapps got nothing on us. I'd post videos of me and Scott singing, but it would become an internet sensation and our lives would forever change. Alright then.


This first video is of Nicholas on his harmonica and Abby's interpretive dance.

This one is Nick teaching Abby some new dance moves.

This one is Abby getting down. Yes that is Tootsie Roll playing. What's your point?

I taught Nick the teapot song and he has been singing it nonstop, in a falsetto voice. I hear it in my sleep sometimes. I'm posting 3 videos because I want you to have it in your head all day, too. I love the last one w/ Abby in the background.

Photo Op - 123

At the Razorback basketball game.

School Pictures

School pictures are finally back. I asked Nicholas on picture day if he smiled for the photographer. He said, "Yes. I smiled liked a pig."  Okay then.

Photo Op - Day 122

Chillin' with Daddy watching the Hogs play.

Uncle Huy and Aunt Shannon

We got to spend some time w/ Huy and Shannon over the weekend.  Yay!  Shannon was in town house sitting.  Huy flew in on his birthday to surprise her.  She and some friends were singing happy birthday to him on Skype.  He played along, the whole time he was hiding in the other room.  Everyone was shocked and started laughing, including Shannon.  Except she thought that they were laughing because they had lost the feed.  She didn't even notice he was the one that blew out the candles.  Her expression when she realized it was him was just priceless.

Nick and Abby had a good time w/ their aunt and uncle.  They earned extra points w/ Nick when let him play on their Ipad.  Angry Birds on the Ipad, Nick was in heaven. 

We are so glad we got to spend some time w/ you!  We miss you guys and hope you decide to move back here soon.  The kids miss you, with or without the Ipad, but hopefully with.  Can't wait to see you all at Christmas.

Photo Op - Day 121